March 3
NOT LEFT TO PERISH
"For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer
thine Holy One to see corruption" Ps. 16:10
This word has its proper fulfillment in the Lord Jesus; but it
applies also, with a variation, to all who are in Him. Our soul shall
not be left in the separate state, and our body, though it see
corruption, shall rise again. The general meaning, rather than the
specific application, is that to which we would call our readers'
thoughts at this particular time.
We may descend in spirit very low till we seem to be plunged in the
abyss of hell; but we shall not be left there. We may appear to be at
death's door in heart, and soul, and consciousness; but we cannot
remain there. Our inward death as to joy and hope may proceed very
far; but it cannot run on to its full consequences, so as to reach the
utter corruption of black despair. We may go very low, but not lower
than the Lord permits; we may stay in the lowest dungeon of doubt for
a while, but we shall not perish there. The star of hope is still in
the sky when the night is blackest. The Lord will not forget us and
hand us over to the enemy. Let us rest in hope. We have to deal with
One whose mercy endureth for ever. Surely, out of death, and darkness,
and despair we shall yet arise to life, light, and liberty.